Will not start

Tiny
HANK22077
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA
  • 4.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 270,000 MILES
On my way home from work I was going down the highway about sixty mph and all of sudden it acted like it was running out of gas.
So I pulled off in a lot almost immediately. Walked to a gas station and got the only one gallon tank they had. I put the gas in and it will not start. I can hear the fuel pump kick in. And the pressure valve squirts gas. So it should be getting gas.
Why will it not start? And what else could cause it to act like it was running out of gas?

And yes I do have a functional gas gauge and the low fuel light works. I am just the person who tried to push it and get home. I should have had enough gas to get there. That is why I am asking if anything else could cause the issue.
Thanks
Thursday, May 10th, 2018 AT 9:57 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

You will need to check the fuel pressure itself. Just because it has fuel at the valve does not mean it is enough to make it run. You will need a tester for the pressure. You can rent one at a parts store.

Circuit Description:
When you turn the ignition switch ON, the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) turns on the in-tank fuel pump. The pump remains on as long as the engine is cranking or running and the VCM is receiving reference pulses. If there are no reference pulses, the VCM shuts off the fuel pump within 2 seconds after you turn the ignition ON or the engine stops.

An electric fuel pump pumps the fuel through an in-line filter to the Central SFI unit. The pump is attached to the fuel level meter assembly inside the fuel tank. The pump is designed to provide fuel at a pressure above the regulated pressure needed by the injectors. The pressure regulator keeps the fuel available to the injector at a regulated pressure. Unused fuel is returned to the fuel tank by a separate line.

Diagnostic Aids
Tools Required, J 34730-1A Fuel Pressure Gage in J 34730-E or J 34730-IA Fuel Pressure Gage with J 34730-250 Fuel Pressure Adapter Kit.

Test Description
Diagnostic Chart
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Diagnostic Chart
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Diagnostic Chart
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Diagnostic Chart
imageZoom/Print

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

2. Wrap a shop towel around the fuel pressure connection to absorb any small amount of fuel leakage that may occur when installing the fuel pressure gauge. Turn ON the ignition, the fuel pressure should be 415 - 455 kPa (60 - 66 psi). This pressure is controlled by a spring pressure within the regulator assembly.

4. The fuel pressure that continues to fall is caused by one of the following items:

The in-tank fuel pump check valve not holding.
A partially disconnected fuel pulse dampener (pulsator).
The fuel pressure regulator valve leaking.
The central SFI injector and poppet valves leaking.

5. When the engine is idling, the manifold pressure is low (high vacuum) and is applied to the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm. This will offset the spring and result in a lower fuel pressure. This idle pressure will very somewhat depending on the barometric pressure; however, the pressure idling should be less indicating the pressure regulator control.
16. The fuel pressure less than 415 kPa (60 psi) falls into the following 3 areas:

A regulated pressure but less than 415 kPa (60 psi). Amount of fuel to injector OK, but pressure is too low. System will run lean and may set a DTC. Also, hard starting cold and overall poor performance or may not start at all. Refer to Engine Cranks but Does Not Run. See: Computers and Control Systems > Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures > Engine Cranks, But Will Not Run

A restricted flow causing pressure drop - Normally, a vehicle with a fuel pressure of less than 300 kPa (44 psi) at idle is undriveable. However, if the pressure drop occurs only while driving, the engine will normally surge then stop running as the pressure begins to drop rapidly. This is most likely caused by a restricted fuel line or plugged filter.

A leaking or contaminated pressure regulator valve or seat interface may not allow the regulated pressure to be achieved. Refer to Step 3.

CAUTION: Do not allow the fuel pressure to exceed 517 kPa (75 psi) because damage to the fuel pressure regulator may result.

22. Restricting the fuel return line allows the fuel pressure to build above regulated pressure. With the battery voltage applied to the fuel pump test terminal, the pressure should rise above 420 kPa (61 psi) as the valve in the return line is partially closed.
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Thursday, May 10th, 2018 AT 11:00 AM
Tiny
HANK22077
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I put extra gas in and bled as much air out as possible, and let the injectors prime really well and jumped the battery. It started up and seems to run well. I will just have to keep an eye on the gas gauge and pay extra attention to the way it acts for a good while.

Thanks for the help.
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Saturday, May 12th, 2018 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, good luck. Come back if you have any more questions.

Roy
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Saturday, May 12th, 2018 AT 1:56 PM

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